POUT ON THE TOWN
Superdrug set to roll out controversial Botox and lip fillers to more stores – despite experts warning of the dangers
SUPERDRUG is set to roll out Botox and lip fillers in another one of its stores - despite experts claiming the anti-ageing injects can cause "serious infection or paralysis" in some cases.
The shop announced yesterday the cosmetic procedures will be available in its Manchester Piccadilly branch.
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It's currently only available at its London flagship unit, where it launched last August.
The health and beauty retailer came under fire after it announced its new Skin Renew Service, which offers customers anti-wrinkle and rejuvenation treatments including Botox and dermal fillers.
Superdrug will only be offering the service to those over 25 who have booked through their customer care line, not to people who walk in from the high street.
It will cost £99 for Botox and between £125 and £349 for fillers.
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The announcement was made it was revealed clinics providing cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers are to check customers for mental health issues first.
Staff will be trained to spot body dysmorphic disorder — where people obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance.
Previously Superdrug defended their decision to introduce cosmetic surgery.
Caris Newson, head of Health and Wellbeing at Superdrug, said: "We know from our research among 10,000 customers that feeling confident about how you look is linked to a person’s wellbeing, and that’s different for all of us.
"For some it might mean having their eyebrows threaded or getting their nails done, for others taking new vitamins or getting fitter, or it might be about smoothing out fine lines.
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"We’re launching this service in response to customer demand for anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation treatments.
"Our minimum age for this service is currently 25 years old and over to ensure that, when supported by a full clinical consultation, our customers are able to make the best decisions about engaging in aesthetic treatments."
Nurses will be "trained to the highest standard" to ensure customer safety, the company said, but experts from the British Association of Aethetic Plastic Sugeons (BAAPS) have warned against the the move.
"While Superdrug may be hiring medically trained nurses, it is crucial members of the public do not treat having Botox and dermal fillers as casual beauty treatments, like brow threading or waxing," consultant plastic surgeon Gerard Lambe said.
"Administering an injection of any kind is a very serious procedure and requires an experienced and qualified health professional.
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"All kinds of risks can arise, from infection, to incorrectly applied needle placement over delicate facial muscles – which can lead to paralysis.
"Lip fillers are a real issue too and I often get women at my clinic needing corrective treatment following dangerously injected fillers.";
Dr. Pixie McKenna, Superdrug’s ambassador, said: "Unfortunately in tandem with their increase in popularity we have seen an increase in the number of people claiming to be "expert" practitioners in the field.
"It is surprising how many people engage in these services, without having a full understanding of the qualifications or competence of the person carrying it out. I have seen and heard many horror stories.
"By employing high pedigree practitioners who have not only been vetted but also have an excellent track record in terms of their experience, qualifications and competence, customers can be confident that they are getting the service they deserve."
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Carol Bryan was forced to have corrective surgery to fix the damage caused by dermal fillers on The Drs
But regulations which govern who can provide dermal fillers and Botox is set to change.
Mr Lambe, along with BAAPS, has led calls for all dermal fillers to be classified as prescription-only medicine that can only be injected by a registered doctor.
This month the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) announced it will remove beauty therapists from its registers for "level seven" treatments, which includes products that are injected.
It means practitioners on the high street will no longer be able to offer dermal fillers or botox; only registered practitioners and cosmetic surgeons will be permitted to supply the products.
"It horrifies me that there are men and women undergoing procedures by non-medically trained professionals," Mr Lambe said.
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"This major move by the JCCP is a very important step towards improved safety in the cosmetic sector.
"BAAPS have asked for these measures to implemented for many years and it will hopefully prevent patients receiving substandard, unsafe and potentially permanently damaging treatment and care."
In 2016 BAAPS revealed 90 per cent of plastic surgeons recorded a rise in the number of patients being dangerously misinformed about cosmetic surgery.
The survey, of the BAAPS council, also found that two in five surgeons have seen problems with unregulated dermal fillers over the last three years.
The association believes the problems, which include swelling, infection and skin irritation could be avoided if such treatments were properly regulated.
Cosmetic surgeons have previously warned against cheap fillers, warning cosmetic fillers injected anywhere on the face can cause serious problems including blindness.
If they are not administered properly, in clean, sterile environments, then patients risk swelling and infection.
On top of that, cheap fillers may not sit will under the skin and can even become hard and lumpy.
Dermal fillers are injections used to fill out wrinkles and to plump up the volume of the lips and cheeks.
They contain a variety of ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in humans to help keep certain body parts such as they eyes and skin hydrated.
These fillers can have a temporary or permanent effect.
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